The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-09-17

PHILADELPHIA, Sept l6.-Eleyen years
are gone since our national centennial
began. This will be the last only re-
cord and a memory will remain after TO.
morrow The wheels of history mark a
century since the fathers gave to the ma
ton the Constitution which has fostered
a material growth more than fabulous TO
the old world. These three days will end
the story Of a hundred years. The
record has been good one. Patriotic
spirit commanded each citizen to assist,
according TO hi, opportunity, in giving
the impulse Of success to this occasion.
NEARLY TuREr WrrIoN SOLDIERS.
Even during ihe war there were not A.
many soldiers in Philadelphia a. there
were to-day And even when that bit.
ter strife ended and those who remained
TO tell the tale Of countless bloody bat
ties marched back TO their peaceful homes,
their numbers did not even reach shad-
ow Of what is here to-day.
Nearly 10000 uniformed soldiers pass
ed in review before the Chief Magistrate
and the high officers Of this and other
governments before the MONDAY sun,
and at their head rode General Phil II
Sheridan
During the past two days there have
arrived in the city by the various railroad
lines nearly four hundred thousand pco-
ple, and 10 this must be added the vast
number who have reached the city by
other means than the railroads.
rHE DECORATIONS
on the streets buildings, and residences
were practically the same as those of yes
terdav, and every street through which
the column passed vas almosi solid
mass of tri.colored bunting and flags of
all nations. In addition to those on
Broad street. stands had been erected ON
Chestnut. Market and Arch streets, and
the streets themselves were covered by a
old masso humanity. Twelve hundred
and fifty of the citys police force were
on duty shortly after daybreak, and were
shortly afterwards reinforced by 80 OF
the Fairmount Park guards, and large
number of special officers I'm citizens
dress All Of the streets through which
the parade passed were roped oh from
curb to curb, in order 20 secure clear
passage for the troops, and street-car
traffic was delayed at intervals for short
time. The line was opened however,
every forty minutes to allow street cars,
vehicles, and pedestrians to pass through.
BUSINESS MEMS RECEPTION TO THE
PRESIDENT.
The escort of President Cleveland, the
First City Troop Of Cavalry, under Cap
tain Grubb. reached the Lafayette Hotel
long before o o'clock this morning, and
shortly afterwards the Committee OF the
Commercial Exchange drove up in car
riages and paid their respects 10 the Pres
ident
The streets were almost impossible, and
when the Exchange. which Is situated on
Second street, was reached, it required
the efforts of the soldiers 10 clear way
into the building. In the meantime the
members of The Commercial Stock, Drug,
Grocers and importers and other EX-
changes and the Board Of Trade had as
sembei in the large hall on the third
floor and were listening TO the music.
The arrival Of the Presidential party
was the signal for repeated cheering, and
when the Chief Magistrate had made his
way to the rostrum at the lower end Of
the hall the cheering broke out again
aud the names o. Secretary Bayard, Gov-
ernOr Beaver, George " Childs, Mayor
Filler and A. j. Drexel were also cheered.
Chairman Brook announced that as soon
AS the President had spoken few words
the members would be given a chance 10
meet him
TUE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.
President Comfy introduced The Presl-
dent. who. amid loud cheering said
II am glad 10 be here to-day and have
the opportunity Of meeting so large rep
reseniaiion of the business men ol Phila-
delphia It is well for us not 10 entirely
forget the claims Of patriotism In the
rush Of business life and such occasions
as thi. are fraughi With great good to our
common country.
The objects Of good government tend
to increase the material prosperity OF the
country. II has often occurred 10 me
that in the hurry and rush Of business We
are apt 10 forget the claims OF good gov
erument. II would be- well ii business
men remember that wholesome political
sentiment il closely related to business
success. would be glad 10 see a little
more oil a broad, patriotic sentiment IN
the business world IL would be well IN
striving for the success Of the whole ma
ton that a man should sometimes sacrifice
his individual interest.
To-day we celebrate such triumph
Of patriotism over sellshness. Does any
one doubt to-day that the Constitution OF
100 wears ago was well made and that
the work wa. well done: This same con
dition of affairs, that is, sinking self in
patriotism. would exist TO day II our
business men would cultivate a whole
some political sentiment and sometimes
forget sordid and selfish interest. be
lieye that nowhere can this sentiment be
better established than among the aierl,
active. enterprising business men OF
Philadelphia.
Mr Cleveland, after his speech an
nounced himself as being ready 10 meet
the gentlemen present, and general
hand shaking took place, after which the
Presidential party drove TO the reviewing
stand.